About this trip

An all-over experience in California, from southern favourites, Los Angeles and San Diego, to northern must-sees San Francisco, Paso Robles, Monterey and spectacular Yosemite.

You'll enjoy Insider moments like... tasting olive oil from the olive groves at the Groves on 41 Olive Oil Mill in Paso Robles. And savouring wines and local dishes on a trip to the Nicholson Ranch Winery, where you'll be welcomed as a VIP guest.

Welcome to San Diego. Get acclimated and relax. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow companions at the hotel at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception.

Hotel

Omni San Diego

Meals

Welcome Reception

Hotel

Omni San Diego

Meals

Welcome Reception

Day 1

Day 2

San Diego Sightseeing and Free TimeDay 2 - San Diego Sightseeing and Free Time

From the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park, San Diego entices visitors and locals alike with a combination of fascinating history, lively street life and some of the best weather in the country. Get acquainted with the city on a guided orientation tour and then enjoy some free time or enjoy an optional visit to the San Diego Zoo.

Travel up the sun-kissed coast to San Juan Capistrano, home to one of the oldest Spanish missions in California. Visit the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the iconic Bell Tower and the peaceful Sacred Garden. Stop and grab a bite to eat for lunch on your own in Santa Monica before a visit to the Getty Center, with its world-renowned collection of classical and modern art. Stroll around the grounds admiring paintings and sculptures. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel

Westin Bonaventure

Meals

Full Breakfast

Dinner

Hotel

Westin Bonaventure

Meals

Full Breakfast

Dinner

Day 3

Day 4

Rose ParadeDay 4 - Rose Parade

Celebrate New Year's Day with an unforgettable chance to view America's famous New Year's celebration, the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Marvel at the dazzling pageantry of the bands and beautiful floats from your specially selected Reserved Grandstand seating right along the parade route. After the parade, continue your revelry with a sightseeing trip of Tinseltown, including Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard, viewing the Hollywood sign, a stroll along the Walk of Fame and the Grauman's Chinese Theater. Wrap up the day with a private tour of the Dolby Theatre, current home of Oscars.

After a leisurely morning, wind your way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara. Savour some time to relax and enjoy lunch before continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway to Paso Robles. Then join a Be My Guest lunch, where you will stoll through olive groves with a glass of wine. Your hosts will enlighten you about olive trees and the steps it takes to go from olive to olive oil, before dining on a delectable meal created with local ingredients from olive oil to the locally produced wine.

Begin your day at “La Cuesta Encantada”—the enchanted hill—upon which William Randolph Hearst built his magnificent castle. A guide leads you through the property with its 165 rooms, acres of gardens, and pools—and brings the story of the newspaper publisher to life. Drive Highway 1 towards Big Sur, running along the most beautiful coastline in the USA. Then it's on to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. After cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone Cypress Tree and Pebble Beach Golf Links, arrive in Monterey, home to Cannery Row.

Head across the fertile San Joaquin Valley, stopping at a local fruit stand to sample some of the tasty produce. Ascend the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your way to Yosemite National Park and its spectacular wild landscape, passing the misty splendour of Bridal Veil. Gaze in wonder at the granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome. Spend your free evening staying within Yosemite National Park, taking in all the natural wonders after the crowds have left and just steps from Yosemite Falls.

Descend from the mountains and head north before crossing the iconic Bay Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, take an optional guided tour of the oldest Chinatown in the United States, followed by a Chinese dinner.

Hotel

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Meals

Full Breakfast

Hotel

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 8

Day 9

San Francisco Sightseeing and Free TimeDay 9 - San Francisco Sightseeing and Free Time

Embark on a morning exploration that takes you to see the sights. There's a story around every corner and you have some time this afternoon to explore the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

After a leisurely breakfast head to Northern California's beautiful wine country. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Then travel scenic Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail dotted with wineries. Tonight, family-owned winery for an exclusive tour and Farewell Dinner featuring a tasting of local wines.

Hotel

River Terrace Inn

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Hotel

River Terrace Inn

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 10

Day 11

Sonoma - Depart San FranciscoDay 11 - Sonoma - Depart San Francisco

Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to San Francisco International Airport or extend your stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Meals

Full Breakfast

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 11

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/usa/tours/the-californian-with-rose-parade for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

Simply Authentic

Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Service rating : The service was great. The travel director did everything he could to ensure a smooth, organised trip for everyone.Product : This was the only time of the year I could travel. I had no desire to see the Rose parade, nor did most of the Aussies on the trip. It's disappointing

Festive Departures: We've arranged Christmas or New Year's Eve celebrations for these departures.This trip includes admission to the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Double-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.

Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.